Picture a wedding procession frozen forever in stone above a winding river — that's the legend behind Svatošské skály, one of the most striking natural landmarks in western Bohemia. Towering granite pillars and spires, some reaching 50 metres, rise dramatically from the left bank of the Ohře river.

The atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else — steeped in the tale of Hans Heiling, who broke his promise to a water nymph and was turned to stone along with his entire wedding party. The rock formations even carry names inspired by the legend: the Capuchin, the Bride, the Groom, the Mother-in-Law, the Musicians, and the Castle. The landscape changes beautifully with the seasons — canoeists paddle beneath the cliffs in summer, autumn brings a striking contrast of grey granite against golden forest, and winter lends the whole scene a fairy-tale stillness. It's also a popular spot for rock climbers and home to nesting eagle owls, making it as ecologically valuable as it is picturesque.

How to get there

• From Doubí (a district of Karlovy Vary) — blue trail, approx. 30-40 minutes, easy difficulty
• From Loket or Cihelny — yellow trail, also accessible to cyclists and canoeists

Practical information

• Protected as a National Nature Monument since 1933, home to rare and endangered plant and animal species
• Climbing is allowed but regulated within the protected area
• An educational nature trail runs from Doubí to Svatošské skály, and cycle route No. 6 (formerly 204) follows the Ohře river past the rocks

The site once inspired Sigmund Freud, who wrote about a dream he had of these rocks, and Goethe, who visited repeatedly during his stays in Karlovy Vary — a memorial plaque nearby still commemorates his visits.